Thankful Thursday

I am thankful today for my children. Although they fight and argue and cry and scream; they pout and whine and yell and shout;

but they also love and snuggle and kiss and hug; they wiggle and dance and smile and laugh.

I am thankful that I can sit and read a book while they keep each other occupied.

I am also thankful that girls are so much easier to potty train than boys are.

I am also really thankful for a husband who understands that I have off days, and that I need days off. He doesn't always complain that the dishes aren't done and that the floors aren't swept. He will quietly do all of these things when he senses that I have had enough. Sure, he may not do it with a smile on his face or a whistle on his lips, but he is my partner. He treats me like a queen in so many ways that I often take for granted. I haven't taken the trash out once in 6 years. I don't clean my car, I don't do gross boy things like squashing bugs and cleaning toilets. So I am acknowledging this family I have and am thankful for today.

A better day

Today was definitely a better day. The kids and I had blueberry pancakes fro breakfast. RJ and I cleaned his room and donated some of the many toys he has. I've been trying to explain to him that there are others who don't have what we have. There are little kids who would love ONE of the toys he has and that he can't miss something he has forgotten about. (Maybe I should do the same with some of my "toys"). I think it is sinking in, as he came out with an armload of toys he DOES play with and offered to give them away too.

We skipped Taekwondo tonight (Matt is still in Scottsdale) and went to play at the park down the street (mama needed a walk) and then had a night in with movies, popcorn and pizza rolls. I got lots of giggles with raspberries on bellies and playing airplane (what a leg workout lifting that 54 pounds of muscle I call son).

Aubrey has been a happy baby the past few days. She is playing by herself more and giving mama a break. I really like this age, when they decide independence is not so bad after all.

I really enjoy days like this, with the kids, doing simple things. We are all still happy and it didn't cost me a dime.